Watch The Two Gun Man

The Two Gun Man from 1931 is a classic example of early Western cinema that showcases the genre's enduring themes of heroism, outlaw confrontation, and the struggle for justice on the American frontier. The movie is a vehicle for Ken Maynard, one of the era's most popular cowboy actors, who was known for his impressive riding skills, handsome looks, and charismatic screen presence. As with many films of the period, the production values reflect the transition from silent films to talkies, with a mix of action, melodrama, and the then-novel use of synchronized sound.

In The Two Gun Man, Ken Maynard plays a multifaceted character—a drifter and a sharpshooter with a strong moral compass named Buck Sawyer. The movie begins with Sawyer arriving in a small Western town that is under the thumb of a powerful cattle baron. The struggle for power and control over the town and its surrounding ranches is at the heart of the film's narrative. Sawyer's motives for coming to town are initially unclear, but it becomes apparent that he holds a deep sense of justice and is not afraid to stand alone against corruption and oppression.

The cattle baron, fearing the arrival of a new government agent who might impose law and order, employs a band of roughnecks to maintain his reign through fear and violence. The townspeople, largely cowed and looking for a savior, find a glimmer of hope in Buck Sawyer. His formidable reputation with a pair of six-shooters marks him as a potential ally against the cattle baron's despotic rule.

Tarzan, Ken Maynard's horse, is another star of the film, showcasing the seamless partnership between a cowboy and his trusted steed. Maynard's riding and stunt work in the film, performed alongside Tarzan, offers some thrilling action sequences, which were a high-selling point for audiences of the time. The horse's intelligence and responsiveness not only contribute to the film's action sequences but also add a layer of charm and character interaction that was beloved by audiences.

Lucille Powers plays the film's leading lady, Mary, who is caught in the crossfire of the town’s troubles. Beautiful and strong-willed, she advocates for peace and justice, hoping to see the day when the town can escape the shadow of the cattle baron's tyranny. Her initial wariness of Sawyer slowly gives way as she recognizes his true intentions and the possibility of a romantic interest brews amidst the tension.

While the storyline follows a somewhat predictable arc for the Western genre, with the clear delineation between the protagonist, Buck Sawyer, and the array of antagonists, what sets The Two Gun Man apart are the performances and the character development throughout the story. Ken Maynard's charm infuses Buck Sawyer with a blend of light-heartedness and fierce determination, making him a compelling hero that is relatable to the audience.

The pacing of the film is typical of early talkies, with a balance of dialogue-heavy scenes that set up the dramatic conflict and action-packed sequences that showcase the physicality of the Western lifestyle. Gunfights, horseback chases, and the struggle for control of the land all play prominent roles in escalating the film's tension, leading toward a climax that promises resolution and possible retribution.

The dialogue, while straightforward, often borders on the poetic, relying on the strength of its simplicity to convey the moral tale. The characters speak in a manner reminiscent of the Wild West, with authenticity that pulls the viewer into the era. The scriptwriters of The Two Gun Man understood the essence of the Western mythos and delivered a story that fits neatly within its canon.

As a cultural artifact, The Two Gun Man provides insight into early 1930s filmmaking and the appeal of the Western genre during a time when the real American frontier was already a thing of the past, yet the ideals and legends lived on in cinema. The film reflects the nostalgia for that bygone period, while also offering escapism during the early years of the Great Depression, a time when audiences especially sought relief in the form of entertainment.

In summary, The Two Gun Man from 1931 offers a quintessential Western experience from the early days of sound cinema. With Ken Maynard at the helm, exhibiting his usual swagger and skill, the film blends the conflicts, romance, and moral simplicity that fans of the genre crave. It is a narrative that pits the solitary hero against overwhelming odds, with prime examples of kinship, tension, and the eternal struggle for justice on the American plains.

The Two Gun Man is a 1931 western with a runtime of 59 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.